INTRODUCTION
The book of Daniel shifts gears from narrative to apocalyptic as we see the unveiling of the Son of Man who will come to execute the Ancient of Day’s judgment and the redemption of God’s people in the last days.

APPLICATION
Apocalyptic literature has a tendency to offer multiple perspectives on the same thing depending on who interprets the text. Before beginning the discussion share your experience, interest, or expertise (or lack thereof) in end times prophecy.

DISCUSSION

1. Why is apocalyptic literature so difficult for us to understand?

2. Ultimately, apocalyptic literature should point us towards Christ. Are we sometimes guilty of being too interested in the details of end times prophecy at the expense the overall purpose of apocalyptic literature?

3. Given the complexity and mysterious nature of apocalyptic literature, many believers shy away from it. What is the danger of neglecting this portion of Scripture?

4. Read Psalm 46:1-3. How can we apply this passage to our thoughts, anxieties, fears, anticipation for future events, particularly in regards to end times prophecy?

5. As believers should we fear the future? Why do some feel angst or worry about the last days and the coming of Christ?

6. Daniel 7 paints an awe-inspiring picture of the Son of Man receiving the power and dominion over an everlasting kingdom from the Ancient of Days. What does this mean for those with Christ? What does this mean for those opposed to Christ?

PRAYER
Spend some time in prayer with one another for things drawn out of the discussion.

Encourage your group to attend Family Day this Sunday. Details are at pomh.org.

One More Thingis a weekly podcast where the teaching pastors go deeper into the preaching and teaching at the People of Mars Hill. Each week, we discuss some extra things we may have been unable to get to on Sunday, then follow up with touching on some community group questions. Join us weekly for one more thing.

In what is perhaps the most well-known story in the book of Daniel, the elder prophet is cast into the lions’ den. His only crime was choosing to follow God’s law over man’s law, something he had practiced his entire life.

Discussion
1. Read Jer 29:4-7. Daniel potentially had the chance to go home, but he chose not to because God had different plans. Do you sometimes wrestle with deciding whether God is calling you to stay or go? How do you discern that call?

2. Daniel was well-known as a man with a “different spirit” than everyone else. Could they same be said about you in your workplaces, homes, or schools?

3. What are the pitfalls of self-entitlement? How do we avoid it?

4. Jack mentioned that laws are meant to restrain evil, but are generally changed overtime to loosen the reigns of that restraint. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

5. Daniel’s first decision in reaction to an unjust law was to pray, not publicly criticize. What application do you find in this example?

Application
When faced with penalty, Daniel decided to follow God’s law over man’s law. Today all over the world, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ chose God’s law over man’s law, sometimes to the detriment of their own personal safety. What do you think would be the breaking point for persecution with the church in America? How would community play an integral part in you following God’s laws over man’s laws (were the two in conflict).

Prayer
Spend some time in prayer with one another for things drawn out of the discussion.